Maclean, Jane

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number 510550 Inspection date 25 August 2005 Inspector Tracey Marie Boland

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 2001. She lives with her husband and four year old son. They live in a three bedroom terraced house close to the City Centre in Coventry. There are shops and a park within easy walking distance. The whole of the ground floor area is used for childminding. There is a secure garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of five children under eight years at any one time. Two minded children were present during the inspection.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The family has a pet rabbit.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from being cared for in a clean, welcoming and well-maintained environment where they learn good hygiene practices that contribute to their good health. Children understand the importance of washing their hands after going to the toilet, before eating and after any contact with the rabbit. Children enjoy a good range of physical experiences that contribute to their well-being both indoors and out, for example, visiting soft play centres, using wheeled toys, climbing frames, music and movement ,and are able to rest and sleep according to their needs. Children benefit from the childminder's clear policy of exclusion at times of illness and all accident and medication records are up to date. However, written consent has not been obtained for emergency medical treatment. Children are aware of healthy eating and freely access drinks throughout the day. Parental preferences and wishes are taken into account when providing meals and

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Helping children to be healthy

children have their health and dietary needs met because the parents and childminder work together to ensure their needs are continually met.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's risk of accidental injury is minimised in the well-designed environment where good steps have been taken with regard to safety. Children understand the importance of keeping themselves safe and learn through discussion and consistent reinforcement, for example, road safety and 'stranger danger'. Children use a wide range of safe, good quality, developmentally appropriate resources, which are well-organised and mostly at child height to encourage independent access. A clear evacuation procedure is practised regularly and children are aware of the routine they need to follow. The childminder has a secure understanding of her role and responsibility with regard to child protection and keeping children safe.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are very happy and settle well into the childminder's home. They have formed strong relationships with the childminder who is responsive to their individual

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 needs and supports their overall development well. Children acquire new skills and knowledge through a range of well- planned, interesting experiences. They show great interest in the activities provided. Toys and equipment are easily accessible and children's independence and self confidence is encouraged through everyday routines. They have opportunities to listen to music and dance, and quiet times are incorporated into the day. Affection is given and warmly received. Parents benefit from the time afforded to them, keeping them up to date with any progress in their child's development and any achievements during the day.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children choose from a range of resources which enhance their understanding of the wider world and develop a positive view of differences. They learn about cultural celebrations and sample foods from different countries. Children are respected as individuals and the childminder provides a sharing and caring environment. Children respond positively to praise and have formed a strong relationship with the childminder. Behaviour was very good and children receive lots of praise and encouragement. Children show care and concern for each other and are encouraged to take turns during play. Parents and children benefit from the strong relationships they have with the childminder, who takes individual needs into account and provides a service that meets those needs.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has all required information and most permissions from parents to enable her to effectively meet the needs of the children. Documentation is well maintained, up to date and held confidentially. Her vigilance and clear routines protects the children from people who are not vetted and maintains their safety. Children are happy and relaxed in the well organised, family environment and move confidently within the space available to them. The childminder is keen to access ongoing training to develop her knowledge and skills. Overall, the provision meets the needs of the children cared for.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder was asked to complete a first aid course which included training for babies and young infants. A course has been accessed and a valid certificate is held, which contributes to the children staying safe. The childminder was also asked to keep a daily attendance record that includes the time of arrival and departure of the children and also to ensure that she held appropriate vehicle insurance for transporting the children. Clear records are maintained of the children's attendance and a valid vehicle insurance certificate is held. Therefore, children's safety and well-being is maintained.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there are no complaints to report.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • obtain written consent for emergency medical treatment.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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